Overview
Step into the role of Compliance & Quality Lead at Joules Head Office as part of the Technology & Quality team.
Working Pattern & Location
Working Pattern: Full time role based at 'The Barn', Joules’ Head Office in Market Harborough, Leicestershire. Typical hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Onsite.
Our Location: Market Harborough, Leicestershire – the brand’s Head Office with good transport links to London.
What You’ll Do
You will lead the charge on product integrity from concept to final production, ensuring every piece of clothing reflects our commitment to durability. Acting as the main point of contact between Buying, Sourcing and Technical teams, you will champion compliance, sustainability and quality.
Responsibilities
Technical Leadership: Lead and develop the Compliance and Fabric Technologist teams, providing clear direction, prioritisation and coaching.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with UK, EU and international regulations, monitor developments, advise on risks and impacts.
Sustainability & Responsible Sourcing: Oversee responsible sourcing of cotton, leather and man‑made cellulosics, substantiate green claims.
Work closely with NEXT Group Sustainability and Compliance teams to support objectives.
Product Testing & Quality Assurance: Own governance of all testing activities, ensuring standards are met on time.
Supplier Engagement: Act as technical lead for suppliers, support Buying team with onboarding and help partners meet sustainability goals.
Systems & Continuous Improvement: Maintain compliance tracking platforms and internal systems, use data such as PowerBI dashboards to improve efficiency.
Training: Educate internal teams and suppliers on regulatory changes and industry best practices.
What You’ll Bring
The role requires flexibility, pace, natural leadership and insight into craft. Balance retail governance with commercial awareness.
Qualifications & Experience
- Experience in apparel or textile compliance, product safety or technical quality, with deep expertise in product legislation.
- Strong understanding of UK and EU regulatory frameworks affecting apparel.
- Experience managing compliance risk, regulatory interpretation and supplier compliance performance.
- Proven experience leading and developing people.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills across retail and supply‑chain environments.
- Background in product testing, quality assurance, and supplier compliance management preferred.
- Familiarity with digital compliance platforms, reporting tools like PowerBI or ESG traceability systems desirable.
Sponsorship
Successful candidates must evidence right to work in the UK before commencement. Joules does not hold a Sponsor Licence and cannot sponsor under the Skilled Worker route.
About Us
Joules honours its British heritage while creating products and experiences that delight, inspire and connect with customers every day. The brand focuses on stylish, high‑quality apparel across all categories.
Benefits & Working Environment
Benefits include:
- 23 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Health and wellbeing benefits – opt‑in healthcare cash plan, free digital GP via the Aviva App, Wellhub app access with discounted gym membership, access to health and wellness apps
- Flexible start and finish times
- 25 % staff discount on Joules and NEXT products
- Up to 10 % off most NEXT partner brands & beauty products
- Up to 25 % off Joules partner brands
- Opt‑in clothing allowance
- Access to discounts at the NEXT staff shop
- Life assurance
- Reward schemes – cycle to work scheme and discounts with nearly 1000 retailers
- Collaborative, progressive and supportive working environment
- Competitive employer pension contributions
- Financial, physical and mental wellbeing support via Employee Assistance Program
- Dedicated learning and development
- The on‑site café – subsidised healthy food from breakfast through to lunch
- Free on‑site parking and low‑cost EV charging points
Conditions apply to all benefits; benefits are discretionary and subject to change.
Equality & Diversity
Joules welcomes and supports all candidates during the application process and provides workplace adjustments when necessary. For support due to disability or long‑term condition, contact headoffice_joulesHR@next.co.uk or 0116 284 2486.
Joules Compliance & Quality Lead in Leicester employer: Joules
Joules is an exceptional employer located in Market Harborough, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. Employees benefit from a clothing allowance, generous discounts, and ample opportunities for professional growth and development, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the marketing field.
